Classic Mercedes SL Gullwing Crashes and Burns

There’s a very good reason why those who participate in the Mille Miglia have been, from 1977 on, held back from driving it like an actual race. A total of 56 drivers died between 1927 and 1957, after which it was put on hold completely for two decades, before being reborn the way we know it today, as a slow-paced historic rally.

BMW 2-Series Coupe Takes on 1-Series Coupe in Our Visual Comparison Test

BMW launched the 4-Series and 2-Series nameplates as part of its plan to differentiate coupe and cabriolet models from the models they’re derived from – in this case the 3-Series and 1-Series, respectively.

We’ve already seen how the new 4-Series Coupe looks compared to its predecessor, so now it’s time to take a close look at the differences between the new 2-Series Coupe and the model it replaces, the 1-Series Coupe.

My opinion (feel free to disagree) is that the 2-Series Coupe is a more significant improvement over the 1-Series Coupe than the 4-Series Coupe over its predecessor, the 3-Series Coupe.

A lot has to do with the front end of the car, where the awkward-looking headlights of the 1-Series Coupe (I’ve always believed they gave the car a sad and confused look at the same time) have been replaced with slimmer, better-looking, “happier” units. The 2-Series Coupe looks more self-confident, an impression also given by the “smiling” kidneys and the muscular bonnet.

When viewed from the sides and the rear, the differences between the two cars are less obvious, despite some key details. The 2-Series has a sleeker profile thanks to the slightly longer hood and wheelbase, while the design of the rear end gives the impression that the car is wider. Overall, I think the exterior styling of the 2-Series Coupe represents a clear progress compared to its predecessor.

On the inside, the 1-Series Coupe looks less dated than on the outside, but I think the 2-Series Coupe has the edge here as well, thanks to the more sculpted dashboard and the driver-oriented center console. It looks fresher, which is something one would expect from a newer model.

The photo gallery posted below will help you decide whether the 2-Series Coupe is a visual improvement over the 1-Series Coupe or not.

My conclusion is that BMW has a winner with the 2-Series Coupe and I believe sales will confirm that. I wish I could say the same thing about the 1-Series' looks...

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY

New BMW Active Tourer to go on Sale in the U.S. in Early 2015

The BMW Group's board member for sales and marketing Ian Robertson has confirmed to Automotive News that the BMW brand's first front-wheel drive model, the production version of the Concept Active Tourer, will reach U.S. dealerships in early 2015.

With the Active Tourer, which we hear will likely sport the 1-Series moniker (possibly as the 1-Series Gran Turismo or 1-Series Active Tourer), BMW will expand its range into a new territory for the brand as it incorporates elements from hatchback, crossover and minivan (MPV) models in a compact-size packaging.

"If I look at the first generation 1 series in 2004, 80 percent of the customers were new to the brand," said Roberston. "With the Active Tourer, we will get a lot of new customers again. They will come out of the premium segment and from some of the volume players," he added.

One of its closest competitors in Europe will be the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, which is to be offered as a standalone electric-powered model in the States.

The Active Tourer will share its platform and three- and four-cylinder turbocharged engine range with the new generation 2015 Mini Hatch that made its world premiere at the Los Angeles and Tokyo motor shows last week. Besides the regular five-seat version, BMW also has plans to develop a longer seven-seater model.

PHOTO GALLERY